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Monday, February 5, 2018

Top Secret Places to see in Rio de Janeiro

It’s easy to see why Rio is high on most people’s bucket list. This intense and beautiful city is home to some of the most iconic sights in the world, from Christ the Redeemer to Carnival to the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. But there’s also a more tranquil, offbeat side to the city where you can escape the chaos and recharge your batteries. Here are our top tips on the secret things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Pedra da Gávea

This rocky monolith is a whopping 842 metres above sea level, and the views are guaranteed to leave you speechless. To get here, it’s a two and a half hour hike through the Tijuca Forest to the top so you’ll need to be reasonably fit and bring plenty of water. Once you get there, you won’t ever want to leave.

Prainha Beach

This beach is a far cry from the madness and posing of Rio’s most famous beaches, such as Ipanema beach and Copacabana beach. It is almost deserted most days and you’ll likely be sharing it with just a handful of surfers. The surrounding area is a protected nature reserve and a truly beautiful place to explore.

Mirante Dona Marta

If you want to avoid the crowds of Sugarloaf Mountain but still enjoy Rio’s amazing sunrise/sunset, then a trip here is a must. It’s not the easiest place to get to, and the best way is by car, but it’s worth it and won’t cost you a penny. Stick around after sunset and you’ll be treated to views of the city lit up below you = Magical.

Pedra do Pontal

This huge rock divides the two beaches Praia do Recreio and Praia da Macumba, and although it’s a little far out from the centre, it’s totally worth the trip. Climb all the way to the top and you’ll be treated to surreal views and zen vibes.

Vista Chinesa

This is another great place to see Rio from above, with views of the Corcovado Mountain and the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. It’s a little bit more popular than the Mirante Dona Marta, particularly at sunrise/sunset, but it’s right next to the Botanical Gardens and free to visit, so it’d be rude not to really.

Gavea Tourist Hotel

This incredible building, which was never completed, has lain abandoned for the last 44 years. Until recently, the hotel was a favourite haunt of urbexers and local artists, but sadly the ruins were sealed off a few months ago for safety reasons. So it’s no longer possible to explore inside, but you can still admire it from afar, or if you’re lucky enough to have a drone then you’ll be able to capture some wonderfully eery shots from above.